Major the Westies rebuild project

Discussion in 'Restorations' started by MorkC68, Sep 26, 2016.

  1. Stands back.......can of worms open :theforce:
     
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  2. Type 4 all the way in my opinion. Originality has got to be the way to go. Why stick a Jap lump in. I know the reliability is there but after all that resto work? Keep it real Mark.
     
  3. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    :lol: nothing like a bit of healthy debate :D
     
  4. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    I may well stick with a type 4, the GD in Major has done 120k miles and has been looked after (its had a new head somewhere along the way) but I don't know if its had a full rebuild, I have no evidence to suggest it has. So, if the case doesn't need a Line bore, chances are I will go with a crank & P/B's to get the 2250 with bigger valve heads.

    IMO scooby conversions look in place in a bus, suits them and all that jazz :D
     
  5. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    Your bus your choice :thumbsup:
    stirring_the_pot_postcard-rc40965b31d5a4e818e0b914f6d5857e7_vgbaq_8byvr_512.jpg
     
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  6. :eek:
     
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  7. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Just not on oil or mot’s though :)
     
  8. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

    This is as decisive then brexit! My opinion....

    I doubt there are many Type 4 engines installed that aren’t in original spec... carbs and fuel pumps being two very common changes. So how original does it need to be?

    Also, did the bus originally have a Type 1? Is a Type 4 an upgrade?

    VW didn’t stand still on development. The blueprint of the Horizontally opposed engine developed in various directions under VW, Porsche and Subaru... all succumbing to more power and water cooling over time.

    However, I guess if you want a reliable engine with more power that is authentically Bay Window then I guess the only option is the 1.4 water cooled Polo engine from the Brazilian Bays... perhaps even the 16v version for a reliable 97bhp :p

    Personally, I feel originality is important and sacrosanct with matching numbers cars. Campers by virtue of the fact that most are converted vans are never “original” and I feel can accommodate modification better than most vehicles... as long as they’re in keeping and tastefully executed.

    I feel the waserboxer engine is where the Bay window would have ended up if VW continued development in Germany through the 80s, so is a contender for in-keeping modification.... but they would have cut a hole in its face for a rad, which is how we should really be honouring the Maker ;)

    Keep up the good work on the resto!
     
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  9. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    good points raised!

    The type 4 motor is its original one, the service history tallies up, which is a plus & the FI is from new too. Both are currently original as far as I know, ie, cc's and cam profile and the injectors as per that too.

    Originality is important to an extent where any rotten metalwork on the body has been sympathetically replaced and not full panel replacement & genuine VW panels used where they can be sourced.

    With the interior, I want to use the original woodwork but the laminate has been damaged on a few of the units. I may well re laminate them with a different pattern though. Upholstery wise, I will stray from original & plan to go for a modern tartan pattern rather than the westfalia plaid.

    Who knows what I will end up doing longer term as I am winging my way along :D

    Thanks for the comment on the work so far, appreciate it! :hattip:
     
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  10. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Been busy on the interior these past couple of weeks, got lots to do. First off, the roof had a white vinyl covered board, the vinyl was split and falling off. This was sanded back and had three good coats of varnish applied. I've also put a new piece of plastic trim on too :)

    [​IMG]
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    Next up, remove the units and flooring out of the way and make a start on renovating all of that. This is 40 years camping:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    A good clean up with a washing up sponge and things started looking much better
    [​IMG]

    There is a few places which need attention, mostly surface rust which will be Vactan treated and painted up, Im not planning to repaint the whole of the floor as its in good order, just a sympathetic clean up.
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    I have uncovered signs of accident damage in the past which was not visible from the outside, it doesn't impact on the fitting of the interior so I'll clean it all up, sort out any seams and give it all a good coat of paint.
    [​IMG]

    Onwards :D
     
  11. I wouldn't bother using Vactan or another rust convertor. Though it does convert the rust it doesn't seem to be able to get rid of all of it so some will still be under the surface ready to reappear in a year or so. Not that much of a problem in areas you can see but under a wood floor it'll just spread again un-noticed.
    I've been using this Bilt Hamber deox gel recently.
    https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Bilt-Hambe...over-1kg-1l/714515446?iid=263270420072&chn=ps
    It seems to remove the rust leaving a completely rust free metal finish ready for primer.
     
  12. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    I’d recommend deox too. They do a soluble version you can use to make a dip tank. This was after 1 session in the tub. After the second one it was completely clean. You can see how rusty it was at the bottom!
    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  13. I also use deox gel for stuff I can't get in a tank, however it's little more than citric acid so it's load cheaper to just buy citric acid granules from internet or Wilkinson and make your own solution.

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
     
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  14. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    NLA VW:

    https://nlavw.com/interior/449-westfalia-white-plastic-ceiling-covertrim.html

    it doesn't come pre drilled for the screws which hold the wooden bed piece to the roof and its a really tight fit over the bar it covers, however I trimmed a bit off the small lip and popped a couple of self tappers on the outside, each end.

    It looks very nicely made though
     
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  15. The card game? :confused:
    index.jpg
     
  16. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    :lol:

    I reckon Rob spotted some UNO cards which had hidden away under the bed frame :D
     
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  17. Not the Fiat variety then?:p
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. pretty sure mine would have some uno cards too lodged somewhere if you pulled my interior, and lego,.
     
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